Green-river-formation
Guides
Cordyla
Cordyla is a genus of fungus gnats in the family Mycetophilidae, subfamily Mycetophilinae, tribe Exechiini. These small flies are characterized by a hunchbacked body profile, elongate coxae, and relatively long legs compared to similar groups. The genus has been documented from Eocene fossil deposits, including well-preserved specimens from the Green River Formation of Colorado. Species-level identification typically requires examination of eye structure and other subtle morphological features.
Cordyla volucris
Cordyla volucris is a species of fungus gnat in the family Mycetophilidae, subfamily Mycetophilinae, described by Johannsen in 1909. The genus Cordyla is characterized by a hunchbacked thorax and relatively long legs compared to similar fungus gnat families. Fossil specimens attributed to this group have been identified from the Eocene Green River Formation in Colorado, though definitive species-level identification of fossil material remains challenging. The family Mycetophilidae has undergone significant taxonomic revision, with several subgroups elevated to family rank.
Ectobius
wood cockroaches, field cockroaches
Ectobius is a genus of small, cool-adapted cockroaches in the family Ectobiidae. Adults measure 6–12 mm in length with brown to yellowish coloration and pale margins. The genus has a complex biogeographic history: fossil evidence from the 49-million-year-old Green River Formation in Colorado indicates Ectobius originated in North America, despite its long absence from the continent until recent reintroductions. Species are primarily distributed across Europe, Africa, the eastern Palearctic, and the Near East. Several species have been introduced to northeastern North America within the last 65 years, where Ectobius lapponicus has become synanthropic.
Mycetophilinae
fungus gnats
Mycetophilinae is a subfamily of fungus gnats within the family Mycetophilidae. It contains more than 30 genera and approximately 2,000 described species, organized into two tribes: Exechiini and Mycetophilini. Members are classified in the suborder Nematocera, a group of 'primitive' flies characterized by aquatic or moisture-dependent larval stages. The subfamily is distinguished from related fungus gnat subfamilies by specific morphological and taxonomic criteria, though precise diagnostic features for the subfamily level are not detailed in available sources.
Myrmecina
Mite-eating Ants
Myrmecina is a genus of ants in the subfamily Myrmicinae containing approximately 51-53 species. The genus has a broad geographic distribution spanning North America, Europe, northern Africa, India, Korea, Japan, and Australia. Species exhibit diverse reproductive strategies, including both winged gynomorphs and wingless intermorphs, with some populations demonstrating polygynous reproduction by ergatoid (worker-like) queens. The common name 'Mite-eating Ants' suggests a specialized dietary niche, though this has not been extensively documented.